Tumultuous times remind us of how little we have on the outside. These times are also an opportunity to remember how much we have on the inside. There are many venues for giving that require little or no financial output, the most gracious of which is giving of ourselves to those we don’t even know — yet.
While a homeless, single mother many years ago, I volunteered to serve meals to other homeless people for one reason only: I was provided a place to keep my children safe and warm as well as a way to feed them. I felt selfish, insincere, and a little deceptive. Oh well, it was my kids and me against the world. By the end of the first week I felt honest, helpful, and accomplished. That was most unexpected. When I shared this with others at the shelter, I was told I’d underestimated my own value while understandably focused on making sure my children were protected.
They were right - and inquisitive. Those who ran the shelter sought to find out what else I could do. As it turns out, my mastery of calligraphy — a skill rendered useless by computerized fonts — was a way to delight children (and adults) by personalizing articles of clothing, books, and in one case, a baseball. Donated yarn and my ability to crotchet provided others another layer of warmth. My writing talent helped secure grants.
Every moment spent giving to others gave me something I didn't know I needed: distraction. Left to my own devices, I had plenty of time to worry about the future and berate myself for not being a better parent. Thankfully, the gift of giving has a lot of momentum, and it doesn’t turn on a dime in front of someone others don’t think of as deserving or when the thing most needed isn’t concrete. The people I’ve worked with over the years know the value of recognizing when someone needs to be reminded that they belong and are of value.
Article comments
1 - Mark Buckingham
Very good piece, Diana. Identifies with this series perfectly, and conveys a message the world could stand to hear more often.
2 - Victor Plenty
Beautiful to see the true spirit of Christmas shining through so brightly in this commentary from an atheist perspective.
Too many who call themselves Christians are using this time to complain about the horrific oppression of hearing people great each other with the phrase "Happy Holidays," or to whip themselves into a frenzy of fear about the communist revolution they imagine is about to occur in the White House. Yet the ancient power of human love and togetherness is still alive.
Perhaps, while there is yet time in this holiday season, many of those fearful Christians will lay aside their fears and come back to the higher values of charity and hope that have empowered their faith to better the lives of millions across the globe.
3 - Clavos
Excellent, well written piece, Diana.
You beautifully evoke what should be, but too often isn't, the real meaning and spirit of the holiday season.
Thanks for a very enjoyable interlude.
4 - Baritone
My wife and I were a bit chagrined when, during the past couple of weeks, we sought somewhere to volunteer our time for Thanksgiving. There are a number of organizations that provide meals and other services to the poor and homeless in the Indy community.
We could find none that wanted any help. However, they all wanted money. I am hardly opposed to giving money to charitable and/or non-profit groups. We do so with some regularly. However, as our business has been in the dumpers for some time owing to the economy and the housing mess, we have curtailed most of our monetary giving, at least until things get better and money starts flowing more readily again. I even had one woman hang up on me when I repeatedly deflected her requests for money.
I don't know if any of this really means anything, but its a bit deflating to know that our time, our abilities have no value even to charities, that the only thing of value we can give is money.
B
5 - Diana Hartman
Mr. B, it's sad to hear anyone would turn you and your wife away when offering what is in shortest supply: manpower.
Fortunately, Volunteer Match and Interfaith Ministries both have ample need of someone willing to donate their time.
It's worth noting that the best volunteer opportunities (most fun, look really good on a resume) are often offered to (read: made known to) those who volunteer throughout the year - not just around the holidays. Even a couple of hours a month all year long will get you more "in" than limiting one's time to the month of December.